Students blog

Washington, D.C., our nation's capital, is a vibrant and bustling city full of history, ambition, and opportunity. Recently, I had the privilege of interning in Congress and studying in this dynamic place. While it was a rewarding experience, juggling school, an internship, and the stress of election season wasn’t easy. Here’s how I found peace and balance in the midst of the chaos:

Connecting with Nature

Amid the fast pace of D.C., I found peace in the city’s pockets of nature. The National Mall, with its sweeping views of historic monuments, became one of my favorite nature escapes. Runs to the Lincoln Memorial at sunrise and sunset offered me a unique kind of serenity, while trips to nearby Maryland and Virginia introduced me to breathtaking hiking trails and beautiful landscapes. Immersing myself in these natural spaces reminded me to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with the present. Whether it was by watching the Potomac River flow or strolling under trees filled with friendly squirrels, nature had a way of grounding me in the moment. It was one of my primary avenues of peace.

Finding Your Safe Space

In a city as fast paced as D.C., finding a space where you can unwind and recharge is essential. For me, that sanctuary was a cozy local coffee shop. It became my retreat - a place to journal, read, listen to music, and enjoy a warm cup of coffee and a sweet treat. Whether it’s a park, a library, or even your favorite room at home, having a safe space to decompress and reflect is key to maintaining balance in a high-stress environment.

Interpersonal Networking

Washington, D.C. is the city of networking, where every conversation has the potential to spark an opportunity. As intimidating as it may seem, I used networking as a tool to interact with others, make friends, and build meaningful relationships with individuals in similar situations as mine. Some of the most meaningful connections I developed weren’t forged in formal settings but through genuine conversations about hobbies, career journeys, and life goals. Networking doesn’t have to feel transactional. When approached authentically, it can be deeply fulfilling and transformative, even bringing a sense of joy and peace.

Embrace the Moment

Living, working, and studying in D.C. during an election cycle is a uniquely intense experience, but it’s also an incredible opportunity to witness history and be part of something bigger than yourself. I learned to embrace the city’s energy and cherish the moments of growth, whether that meant navigating my packed schedule, meeting new people, or simply taking in the view of the National Mall and the Capitol at night.

No matter how busy life gets, prioritizing your inner peace and well-being is essential. You can only thrive professionally and academically when you take the time to care for yourself. So, if you ever find yourself in D.C. or a similarly dynamic environment, remember to pause, savor the experience, and remind yourself why you’re there in the first place.

Washington, D.C. taught me so much about ambition, resilience, and self-care. It’s a city where dreams are sparked and connections are forged, but also the perfect place to find your balance and discover more about yourself. Beyond politics, I found peace, and that made all the difference!

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What exactly does it mean to be civically engaged? Is it being an active member of your community, being politically involved, or volunteering on your time off? Well, it's all that and more! At its core, civic engagement is about raising your voice, standing up for what's right, and making a tangible difference in the lives of others. So, if you're ready to make your mark and be a force for good, follow these suggestions because your journey of civic engagement is just beginning!

Understanding Civic Engagement

Civic engagement encompasses a broad spectrum of activities aimed at improving society and addressing community needs. It involves actively participating in the democratic process, advocating for social justice, and contributing to the common good. Whether it's volunteering, political activism, or community organizing, there are countless ways to get involved.

Start on Campus

One of the easiest ways to get civically engaged is by exploring opportunities on your college campus. Many universities have student-led organizations, clubs, and initiatives focused on social justice and community service. Start by attending club fairs, browsing online directories, and talking to fellow students to discover groups that align with your values.

Do it with Passion

An important step in embarking on your civic engagement journey is to identify your passions. What issues resonate with you on a personal level? Are you passionate about environmental sustainability, education equity, or public health? Take some time to reflect on the causes that ignite your enthusiasm and align with your values. Remember that you have the freedom to advocate for the things you love and hold the power to make a positive impact in others' lives.

Volunteer in Your Community

Volunteering is a powerful way to make a difference in the lives of others. Look for local nonprofits, shelters, schools, or community centers. These places actively look for volunteers and appreciate community interactions in the work they do. Whether it's by tutoring children, serving meals at a soup kitchen, or participating in environmental clean-up efforts, there are countless ways to give back to your community.

Don’t Lose Sight

Remember that civic engagement is a journey, not a destination. Start small and gradually expand your involvement over time. Set realistic goals, prioritize self-care, and stay committed to making a positive difference in your community. Even the smallest actions can have a ripple effect and contribute to meaningful change. Know that your voice matters and you have the right to embrace it.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

In today's richly diverse society, modern world issues plague our communities as we fight to embrace cultural differences and beautifully diverse communities all across the world. However, in a world full of insecurities, there is no doubt that minority students oftentimes lack support and empowerment, which can impede them from pursuing their dreams, academic endeavors, and leadership opportunities. From language barriers, socio economic discrepancies, and cultural differences, these factors place many at a disadvantage in various aspects of life.

As a first generation, Mexican American student, I am here to share 3 practices you can adapt to facilitate your journey as a leader.

Practice Being Flexible

Don’t be afraid to go out of your comfort zone! Being flexible shows your willingness to complete tasks, learn new things, and your ability to adapt to diverse environments, preparing you for any unexpected duties. Flexibility is important when exploring new roles and interests as it shows your willingness to learn, improve, and get better. Good leaders are constantly working on themselves, expanding their knowledge, and building connections with people all over the world. Additionally, educating others to understand our differences and the importance of establishing flexible environments allows us to be active participants for student orgs, school, jobs, etc., in compliance with our personal responsibilities.

Surround Yourself with Respectful Individuals

Respect is a quality that should be embraced everywhere. It is important to surround yourself with individuals who will not only respect your differences but will embrace your abilities and potential to bring something new to that environment. Additionally, it is extremely important for you to keep calm and collected in hard situations in order to contribute to a healthy and respectful environment. Regardless of someone’s positions, respect should be practiced all around, as everyone’s contributions to the group may be different, yet valuable.

Lastly, surrounding yourself with supportive and respectful people can help you become more creative and outspoken helping you grow as a valuable team member and leader in any group.

Be Open to New Opportunities

One huge roadblock that many individuals face is dismissing opportunities simply for being outside of their profession or area of study. However, sometimes, the most insightful opportunities are those who are completely unrelated to your area of study. Don't be afraid to pursue new endeavors and make yourself available to new opportunities such as internships, jobs, apprenticeships, and even friendships. There is so much to learn in this world, so take that opportunity to better yourself and strengthen your leadership abilities.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started!